AFL 2016: Blues hope 'Humphrey' Kreuzer talks through his actions

In the year of their "reset", Carlton has been buoyed by the fine off-season form of Matthew Kreuzer, a key piece in the Blues' bid to prove to the football world they won't be as bad as many have tipped.

Kreuzer, the man nicknamed Humphrey by teammates because of his reluctance to speak, has had what teammate Kade Simpson believes to be one of his finest pre-seasons.

Well, that has been the case so far, with Zach Tuohy describing Kreuzer's off-season as the best he had seen from him in the Irishman's six pre-seasons.

"He's been pretty unlucky over the last few years but he's probably strung together his strongest pre-season I've seen him do so far," Tuohy said.

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"In the practice games we've had, or the match simulation training he's been in the best [condition] I've seen him in.

"Hopefully, he can get over those niggles and have a consistent year. He's an incredible talent for the shape he is. He's like an extra midfielder - he's got a massive tank. Aerially, he's as good as anyone so, to have him up and going, is going to be good for us."

Kreuzer's importance to the Blues cannot be ignored. According to Champion Data, he rated above average for disposals, contested possessions and clearances last season after returning to the senior side in round 10, and his seven contested possessions per game was equal to the most of his career.

Having opted to remain with the club on a more performance-based contract, the Blues will hope the injuries that have restricted him to 119 matches since his debut in 2008 subside.

With Kreuzer in the middle, there is no reason the Blues cannot sustain their ranking last season as the third-best centre-bounce clearance side, and fourth in overall clearances.

"I think a fit Matty Kreuzer will help even more. Patty Cripps is ready to take his game to the next level, Bryce Gibbs was injured a lot last year, so there is definitely a lot of room for growth in that area," Simpson said.

The Blues have yet to publicly endorse Marc Murphy as skipper, but that seems all but assured. He sat to the right of coach Brendon Bolton, the traditional spot for a captain, in the recent team photo, and all players have enthusiastically backed him when questioned.

An announcement is expected early next week, before the Blues open the NAB Challenge against Hawthorn in Launceston on Thursday night.

"From my point of view, I'd like to see Murph run on as captain," Tuohy said. "I think he's had a tough time over the last few years. He's been much-maligned and the way he's held himself the last few years. He's a player I respect incredibly."